The cost of packing services ranges between $60 and $80. However, the cost you wind up paying will depend on a number of different factors. These factors include whether you have provided the moving boxes yourself or need to purchase them from the company, as well as the hourly rate of the packing service may charge. A larger-size home or office will often result in higher packing costs, as will the need to handle a lot of fragile or especially heavy/cumbersome items.

Hiring a professional packing service can help ensure your heavy, fragile and special-care belongings are handled safely during your move. These pros are familiar with all types of packing procedures and materials, and they’ll use the right tools and equipment to move your belongings. Packers and movers are also available to assist with cumbersome items like mattresses, safes and large furniture, and they can handle heavy lifting. And if needed, packers can disassemble and assemble furniture for you.

Hire a professional moving, packing or unpacking service in your area for help. You can use a tool like Thumbtack to see the best services in your area, along with their ratings and reviews. Once you’ve identified a few professionals who seem like a good fit, get cost estimates from each of them and compare your quotes. Also, don’t forget to check licensing requirements in your state to make sure the professional you hire is properly licensed and insured.

A packing service helps homeowners and businesses pack up their belongings in preparation for a move, as well as unpack items when moving in. They’re often used to help with large numbers of items and are a great choice when there are multiple floors to contend with. 

Professional packing services can also provide boxes or use the boxes you provide them. They can also help assemble furniture and perform heavy lifting, as well as deal with valuable, delicate or cumbersome items.

Yes, many movers offer unpacking services for you once they deliver your belongings to your new site, or even if you have already had them delivered. However, be aware that this could lead to higher charges, so be sure to ask the movers what their rates are. Movers also don’t usually put items away, but rather set them on tabletops and other surfaces. Some moving companies may have a policy preventing them from unpacking boxes you have packed yourself.

To prepare your house for a professional packer, start by completing a deep house cleaning and organizing session. This includes washing dishes, tools, laundry, beds, etc. Next, get rid of anything and everything you don’t need. Collect items that you plan on moving yourself. Organize everything, and label each box, marking anything that is high-value. Finally, have everything in a position where it’s easy for the packers and movers to access.

When deciding on what to pack first, think about how you can minimize disruptions to your everyday life. For example, start with storage areas such as the basement or attic. These items are not likely to be needed in the next few weeks. Next, move onto storage areas like the shed, closet and garage. Pack away any out-of-season items you won’t need in the next month. Then, move on to tools, equipment, books, collections and displays you don’t utilize in your day-to-day life. Things like clothes, towels, sheets and dishes should be packed closer to your move-out date.

For more helpful moving tips, read our start-to-finish moving checklist.

You should start picking up packing supplies (moving boxes, etc.) at least one to three months before you move. The earlier, the better. Start by cleaning your house and deciding what you will be taking, then follow up by selling or donating whatever you don’t need. At around four weeks out, decide on a moving service and schedule your move-out date. And start the packing process by putting your belongings into boxes, wrapping furniture and organizing for the unload.

For more helpful tips, read our start-to-finish moving checklist.

Many moving companies offer packing services as well. While the typical role of movers is to move already-packed boxes, furniture and other belongings, these pros are also skilled in safely packing belongings in less time than the average person. They have the materials and experience to protect fragile items and predict potential damage in the moving process. This is particularly important for glass and artwork.

The decision of whether to pay for packing services during your move will come down to time versus cost. Packing services will increase the cost of your move. But if you’re busy and need to save your time to handle other priorities, it could be worth the cost. Talk to movers and packing services near you to find one that offers benefits that are worth the cost.